J190 — Acceptance of Trust as Executor

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Source: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development

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J190 Executor Acceptance Guide — SA

The J190 Acceptance of Trust as Executor is completed by the person accepting appointment as executor of a deceased estate in South Africa. It reports key facts about the deceased and the estate to the Master of the High Court, and records the executor's acceptance of the responsibility to administer the estate in terms of the Administration of Estates Act, 1965. The J190 is typically submitted together with the J294 Death Notice and supporting documents when opening the estate file.

What documents do I need?

  • Certified copy of Death Certificate (BI-1663)
  • Certified copy of your South African ID document (the executor)
  • Certified copy of the deceased's ID document
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Original will (if the deceased left one)
  • Proof of approximate estate value (bank statements, property valuations, vehicle registration)

Step 1: Confirm that you are the correct person to complete this form

The J190 is completed by the executor — the person appointed (or proposing to be appointed) to administer the estate. This may be a family member, an attorney, or a trust company. If the deceased left a will, the executor named in the will should complete this form. If there is no will, a family member or interested party may apply.

Step 2: Complete Section A — Your personal details

Fill in your full names, residential address, postal address, telephone numbers, and ID number. If you have appointed an attorney or agent to act on your behalf, provide their name and address in the agent section.

Step 3: Complete Section B — Details of the deceased

Fill in the deceased's full names, date of birth, date of death, ID number, and income tax reference number. State the district where the deceased normally lived. If the deceased was a married woman, provide the husband's name.

Step 4: State the approximate estate value

Provide a rough estimate of the total value of all assets in the estate (property, vehicles, savings, investments, etc.). An estimate is acceptable at this stage — a full inventory (J243) will be required later.

Step 5: Sign and date the form

Sign the J190 in the space provided, print your name clearly, and state the date and place of signing.

Step 6: Submit to the Master of the High Court

Submit the J190 with all supporting documents to the Master's Office in the province where the deceased was ordinarily resident. The Master will register the estate and issue letters of executorship once all requirements are met.

What are common mistakes to avoid?

  • Providing a PO Box as the postal address — the Master requires a physical street address
  • Omitting the income tax reference number — the South African Revenue Service (SARS) must be notified of the death
  • Not attaching a certified copy of the applicant's ID — this is specifically required on the form itself
  • Incomplete telephone numbers — the Master may need to contact you urgently during estate administration

What tips will help my application succeed?

  • If the estate value exceeds R250,000, formal letters of executorship are required — this involves a security bond (J262)
  • If the estate is R250,000 or less gross, enquire at the Master's Office about simplified administration under Section 18(3)
  • The Master's Office provides this service free of charge — attorneys are optional
  • Keep a copy of everything you submit — you will need it when preparing the L&D Account later

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the J190 form?

The J190 is the "Acceptance of Trust as Executor" form. It is used by a nominated executor to formally accept their appointment to administer a deceased estate. By signing the J190, the executor confirms they are willing and able to act, and agree to fulfil the legal duties of an executor under the Administration of Estates Act.

Who needs to complete the J190?

The J190 must be completed by the person who is nominated or applying to be the executor of the deceased estate. This is typically: the person named as executor in the deceased's will, a close family member applying to administer an intestate estate, or a professional (attorney or fiduciary specialist) appointed on behalf of the heirs.

What is the difference between the J190 and a letter of executorship?

The J190 is submitted to the Master as part of the application for appointment. The letter of executorship (or Section 18(3) certificate for small estates) is the document the Master issues back to you after approving the appointment. You submit the J190 to get the letter of executorship — they are two steps in the same process.

Can I appoint an agent to act on my behalf as executor?

Yes. The J190 includes an agent section where you can nominate another person (such as an attorney or family member) to act on your behalf in administering the estate. Appointing an agent does not relieve you of responsibility as executor — you remain legally accountable for the estate administration. The agent acts as your authorised representative.

What documents must I submit with the J190?

Submit the J190 together with: the completed J294 Death Notice, a certified copy of your own ID document, a certified copy of the deceased's death certificate (BI-1663), a certified copy of the will (if applicable), and any supporting affidavits required by the Master. For formal estates, a bond of security (J262) or exemption from bond may also be required.

What is a bond of security and does every executor need one?

A bond of security (J262) is a guarantee that the executor will faithfully administer the estate. The Master can require it for formal estates. However, executors who are the sole heir, or who are professionals (enrolled attorneys) may apply for exemption. If the will expressly exempts the executor from providing security, the Master typically grants this. The J190 and J262 are submitted together when a bond is required.

How long does it take to get letters of executorship after submitting the J190?

Processing times at the Master's office vary by jurisdiction and workload. For informal estates (under R250,000), a Section 18(3) certificate can sometimes be issued within a few days to a few weeks. For formal estates requiring full letters of executorship, allow 4 to 8 weeks from submission of a complete package. Incomplete submissions significantly delay processing — use FillMeIn to ensure all required fields are correctly filled before submission.

Can I fill the J190 without an attorney?

Yes, for straightforward estates. For formal estates (over R250,000) with multiple heirs, creditors, or complex assets, it is advisable to use an attorney or fiduciary specialist. FillMeIn helps you fill the form correctly, but cannot provide legal advice about your specific estate.

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